The Presidency has asserted a significant reduction in cases of kidnapping, armed banditry, and cattle rustling, following the release of the Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The NBS report, based on surveys conducted between May 2023 and April 2024, disclosed alarming figures: 614,937 murders, 2,235,954 kidnappings, and N2.2 trillion paid in ransoms within the period. Reacting, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communications, Barr. Daniel Bwala, said the CESPS initiative highlights the administration’s commitment to transparent, data-driven governance.
Bwala noted a marked decrease in crime across regions, citing diminished activities of groups like IPOB in the South East and fewer school attacks in the North. He credited ongoing efforts to arrest instigators, such as the Finland-based agitator Simon Ekpa, and the government’s proactive measures against insecurity.
Meanwhile, the NBS website was hacked following the report’s release. A statement from the bureau urged the public to disregard any content on the site until further notice. The team is actively working to restore its functionality.
This incident comes amidst heightened discussions on insecurity, showcasing the challenges of combating crime while maintaining data integrity.
